Baby Lifestyle Session Prep
So, you’ve decided to dive into a baby lifestyle session – great choice! These sessions offer a beautiful opportunity to capture your family and your new addition in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. As you prepare to document this time in your lives, here are some tips and considerations worth exploring to ensure that your session is not only enjoyable but also yields timeless and heartwarming photographs.
What should we wear
I recommend simple and comfortable choices. A baby lifestyle session is about keeping it real and authentic, so no need to go out and buy new clothes for the session. Sticking with neutral colours look great, but don’t be afraid to add a little bit of colour! Just try to avoid really bright neon colours, big patterns or large logos.
Your baby can be dressed very simply in a plain onesie, swaddled in a blanket or just their plain white diaper. We can also have multiple outfit changes for your baby.
You can also ready my What to Wear article as many tips in there will apply.
What to expect
- Baby lifestyle sessions are more documentary style and focus on family connections. See this article for more explanation.
- There are no props used, other than what is from your home that may add special meaning – like blankets, stuffies, books, toys, hats. bows etc.
- I usually do pictures with the sibling first and give them lots of attention. If they need more time to warm up to me that is ok too.
- All members (even the furry ones) will be photographed.
- The images will look candid, but I will offer some guidance in posing.
Where will we shoot / preparing the house
Your baby lifestyle session takes place in the comfort of your own home that is reflective of your family and your own personalities. The spaces that I tend to use are the nursery, master bedroom, and living room. Don’t worry about your house being a mess – you just welcomed a new addition to your family! Also I am a mom of two boys, so no need to impress me. If you want to do a little tidy/remove any clutter that’s great, but I am happy to move anything distracting in the areas I am shooting.
Opening all your blinds and curtains before I arrive will help me see which rooms have the best light.
One of my favourite rooms to take photos is the master bedroom, with the family piled on the bed. While vibrant patterns and colours are awesome, a soft neutral coloured comforter or bedspread photographs the best. Bright colours can cast funky shadows and hues on skin, which we definitely want to avoid. If you’ve got a white, cream, gray or neutral blanket lying around we can also throw that on the bed. You can bring in some colour with throw pillows.
Keeping the house a little warmer for your baby lifestyle session will ensure baby is warm and snugly for the session.
How long will it last
A baby lifestyle session ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours, but I don’t put a time limit on it. Flexibility is key and we allow ample time for feedings, diaper change & soothing snuggles.
Preparing the baby & siblings for your baby lifestyle session
- A well-fed baby is a happy baby. Aim to feed your little one before I arrive.
- Doesn’t matter if the baby is asleep or awake. Both are great.
- Have snacks handy for any older siblings
- I won’t force siblings into anything, but I have tricks up my sleeve to get them to interact with their new sibling.
- Best to let older siblings know that I’m coming. You can tell them that a friend is coming to take some pictures.
